Whitstable came away from Hastings with nothing on Saturday after taking the lead early in the second half.

The first half started with an early opportunity for the hosts as Ben Judge sent in a shot from five yards out after one minute but Luke Watkins was on hand to block. Town had their first attempt after five minutes when Charlie Smith put the ball through to Ashley Miller but a defender was on hand to deflect the ball away. Hastings defender Nathan Ferguson running in on the far post after 13

Laurence Harvey heads home

minutes had his attempt well saved by Watkins and then four minutes later he sent in a long range weak shot that went wide. At the other end Miller came in on the near post but sent the ball just wide of the target. On 25 minutes Town were fortunate when Tim Olurunda headed goal wards but Hastings striker Frankie Sawyer headed the ball over the bar. Danny Ellis then on 28 minutes weaved through the Town defence feeding Sawyer who this time shot weakly at Watkins. A couple more chances for the hosts when Kenny Pogue looped a header over Watkins but also over the bar and then ex Hythe winger Taser Hassan forced a full stretch save from the Town keeper who pushed the ball round the post.

With three minutes gone of the second half Sawyer had a chance when he shot wide when it looked easier to hit the target. Town took the lead after 54 minutes when a Macualey Murray free kick from the right had side found Laurence Harvey who headed home. Within two minutes Harvey was again in the action this time at the other end when he blocked a shot

Ross Webb sends ball wide

from Ellis. Town’s lead only lasted four minutes when Sawyer eventually tapped the ball in from a cross on the right hand side. However Town still did have some opportunities. After 66 minutes Miller put in a cross that Ross Webb should have done better but headed wide. Town found themselves behind after 75 minutes when Sawyer who was now limping managed slot a shot past Watkins. Town were now under pressure. Olurunda hit a header after 77 minutes that was brilliantly headed off the line by Jack Parter. Town went further behind after 85 minutes when Pogue knocked the ball onto Sam Adams and he slid the ball home. Town did have a chance in injury time to pull a goals back as a weak shot from Smith was caught by Hastings keeper Josh Pelling.

Town had not played badly but must now look for some more points to make certain of staying out of the relegation zone.